Oh Whale…Shark?
So, last year, we decided to book a Cebu tour that included swimming with these incredible creatures. It was my first trip to Cebu, and I have to say, it was one of those once-in-a-lifetime experiences. I thought I’d share a little recap of our Oslob whale shark-watching trip and everything that went down.
Sunrise over Oslob
I can’t recall if there’s a quote that says you have to go through hardship before you can truly feel at ease, but that’s exactly how I would describe our journey to Oslob from our hotel. Normally, I don’t believe in that kind of thinking, but for this particular situation, it seemed to fit perfectly.
We arrived in Cebu from Manila late at night, checked into a hotel, and grabbed a quick meal. By 4 a.m., our driver arrived to take us to Oslob. It was a long journey, and since I hadn’t slept the night before, I was hoping to catch some sleep in the van. Unfortunately, the road was so bumpy and uncomfortable that getting any rest was nearly impossible. At times, I felt like I was going to break my neck!
As we got closer to Oslob, though, the scenery started to change, and I was glad to be awake. The sea on the left side of the road was stunning, and I got to watch a beautiful sunrise.
Morning crowd
We reached Oslob around 6 a.m., and the line was already long—I’m pretty sure we were the 100th or so in line. Luckily, we had booked a tour, so our guide helped us get in line and navigate the process. At the end of the line, we filled out some forms with our names and information and then waited for our number to be called for a briefing. While waiting, we noticed a few stores selling souvenirs and a karinderya (local eatery) across the road where we could grab some breakfast. We hadn’t eaten yet, so we ordered some cup noodles and Milo or coffee to tide us over.
After the briefing, we waited again until it was our turn to prepare for the boat ride. Finally, at 8:30 a.m., we got on the boat, and the activity lasted for about 30 minutes. Even though we had to wait for two hours, it was worth it.
Face-to-face with gentle giants
The experience was unforgettable. I was initially a bit nervous, especially since I didn’t know how to swim and worried I might panic at the sight of such a big fish. But once I dipped my head underwater and saw the whale shark up close, it felt otherworldly. We managed to get some amazing pictures and videos of us swimming with the whale sharks, and our guide even helped us capture some great shots.
However, it’s important to note that whale shark watching in Oslob has its downsides, something we didn’t know before booking the tour.
Hidden impact on nature
The practice can be harmful to whale sharks and the marine ecosystem. The feeding of whale sharks to keep them in the area disrupts their natural migratory patterns and diet, making them reliant on human interaction.
If you’re considering this activity, please think about the impact on wildlife and the environment. Instead, look for alternative experiences that support conservation efforts and prioritize the well-being of animals. By choosing eco-friendly activities, we can help protect these magnificent creatures and preserve their natural habitats for future generations. Let’s make responsible choices that respect nature and its inhabitants.